Testing and Test Prep

Standardized Testing

Two college entrance exams are used for admissions, college placement, and scholarships: the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the ACT.

All colleges and universities will accept either test. As you will see, we recommend that you take both tests. But if you decide to take only one, be sure to check with the colleges and universities you intend to apply to in order to see which test they require. Pay particular attention to the ACT - some schools require only the ACT, while other require the ACT Plus Writing. Many schools that accept the ACT Plus Writing do not require SAT Subject Tests. Check the requirements of each school to be sure you have fulfilled its testing requirements.

Some colleges and universities admit all or part of their incoming class without regard to SAT or ACT scores. For more information, go to www.fairtest.org.

Mira Costa's Code Number
You will need to know Mira Costa's CEEB code number for both the SAT and ACT. It is:
051895

The ACT

Basic information about the ACT can be found at www.actstudent.org.

The ACT consists of four multiple choice tests covering English, mathematics, reading, and science. The optional writing test measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. You will receive a composite score, as well as a score on each of the four subsections. Each of these scores reflects the number of questions you answer correctly. There is NO penalty for guessing, unlike the SAT. Here is a breakdown of the four sections of the ACT:

English 45 minutes 75 questions
Mathematics 60 minutes 60 questions
Reading 35 minutes 40 questions
Science 35 minutes 40 questions
Writing 30 minutes 1 prompt

Unlike the SAT, which measures critical thinking skills, the ACT is high school curriculum-based.

The ACT is offered six times a year, as follows:

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
September 12, 2009 August 7, 2009 August 8-21, 2009
October 24, 2009 September 18, 2009 September 19, 2009 - October 2, 2009
December 12, 2009 November 6, 2009 November 7-20, 2009
February 6, 2010 January 5, 2010 January 6-15, 2010
April 10, 2010 March 5, 2010 March 6-19, 2010
June 12, 2010 May 7, 2010 May 8-21, 2010

The highest score possible is 36. Writing scores range from 2 to 12. Many MCHS students take the ACT. They report that you must work quickly because time is a factor. But some have scored better on the ACT than the SAT.

In some parts of the country, the ACT has long been more popular than the SAT. In recent years, the ACT has gained acceptance across the country and is now accepted by all colleges, including the UCs and CSUs, as well as leading private colleges.

You can register for the ACT online at www.act.org. Paper applications are also available in the CCC.

The SAT

The College Board administers the following tests: SAT Reasoning (SAT), SAT Subject Tests, the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT), Advanced Placement Tests (APs), and the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).

The SAT consists of three tests: critical reading, writing, and mathematics. In addition to multiple choice questions, there are grid-ins (student-produced answers) and an essay. Each section is scored on a 200 to 800 point scale.

Critical Reading 70 minutes (two 25 minute sections and one 20 minute section)
Mathematics 70 minutes (two 25 minute sections and one 20 minute section)
Writing 60 minutes (35 minute multiple choice section and a 25 minute student essay)

The SAT assesses critical thinking skills.

The SAT has recently changed its score reporting policy. Students now have the ability to choose which scores to send to colleges and universities by test date for the SAT and by individual test for SAT Subject Tests. Click here for more details. If you don't select a test date, all scores will be sent.

The SAT is offered seven times a year, as follows. SAT Subject Tests (discussed below) are offered on all of these dates except for March 13, 2010. We urge you to register early so you can take the test at the site you want as space fills up at popular sites.

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
October 10, 2009 September 9, 2009 September 23, 2009
November 7, 2009 October 1, 2009 October 15, 2009
December 5, 2009 October 30, 2009 November 12, 2009
January 23, 2010 December 15, 2009 December 30, 2009
March 13, 2010 February 4, 2010 February 18, 2010
May 1, 2010 March 25, 2010 April 8, 2010
June 5, 2010 April 29, 2010 May 13, 2010

You can register for the SAT online at www.collegeboard.com. Paper applications are also available in the CCC.

Differences between the SAT and ACT: We recommend you take both the SAT and ACT to see which test is better for you. Keep in mind the differences between the tests. The ACT is content-based, measuring what the student has learned in school, while the SAT focuses on critical thinking and problem solving. The ACT includes science reasoning while the SAT does not. The ACT is all multiple choice questions with an optional writing section. The SAT has multiple choice questions and grid-ins, and the writing test is mandatory. The ACT does not deduct for wrong answers while the SAT deducts for incorrect answers. The ACT also has an interest inventory so students can evaluate their interest in a number of career options.

SAT Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests (formerly the SAT IIs) are offered in a number of academic areas and are used by some colleges and universities for admission and course placement purposes. Tests last one hour, and you may take three tests in a single sitting (although we don't recommend you take more than two at one time). You cannot take SAT Subject Tests on the same day as your SAT. We recommend you take SAT Subject Tests after you have completed the highest level of the course you will be tested on. Check with your teacher.

Many colleges and universities do not require SAT Subject Tests, but competitive schools do. Some schools require one, others two, and a very few three SAT Subject Tests. Check with each college or university about their SAT Subject Test requirements. The UCs require two different subjects of your choice as long as they are in different discipline areas. You can also get more information about a particular school's SAT Subject Test requirements.

Sending Your Scores: It is your responsibility to send scores from all your standardized tests to each college or university you are applying to. You need to send your scores in advance of the application deadline. If you send your scores and then take a later exam, you will need to resend your scores.

AP Exams

AP exams cover over 30 courses. If your scores are high enough, you may be awarded college credit, depending on the policy of the college or university you attend. AP exams have two sections. There is a multiple choice section scored by computer, and a free response section scored by specially-appointed professors and experienced AP teachers. These scores are combined to create a composite score. AP exams are graded on a 5 point scale: 5 means extremely well qualified, 4 means well qualified, 3 means qualified, 2 means possibly qualified, and 1 means no recommendation. Most colleges and universities don't recognize scores of 1 or 2. Some will recognize a score of 3. Most will recognize a score of 4 or 5. Check with your college or university. You can also check out AP credit policies. Click here for general information about AP exams.

CLEP

Students can demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in college-level introductory courses. There are 34 exams. Before taking an exam, determine if your college will accept CLEP credits. Click here for more information about CLEP.

Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)

The PSAT is a two hour 10 minute exam that is offered during the fall. It consists of two 25 minute math sections, two 25 minute verbal sections, and a 30 minute writing skills section. The PSAT will give you feedback on your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to prepare more effectively for the SAT. The PSAT taken during your JUNIOR year only will be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program and the National Achievement Scholarship Program. Being selected for one of these programs can greatly enhance your ability to get into competitive colleges and may result in generous scholarship offers. For more information go to www.nationalmerit.org. It is also used for the National Hispanic Scholar Awards Program. Students interested in qualifying for these programs should prepare for the PSAT. (See Test Prep below)

For the date of the PSAT, see the CCC Calendar. Freshmen and sophomores may take the test in addition to juniors. Look for announcements about sign-ups in the Daily Bulletin.

PLAN

The PLAN test is the precursor for the ACT. It measures a student's academic development and explores career options. It is generally given to sophomores in the fall. Go to www.act.org/plan for more information.

For the date of the PLAN test, see the CCC Calendar. Check the Daily Bulletin for sign-up information.

Special Needs Students

Students with a documented disability may qualify for accommodations on the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams, PSAT, and ACT. To be eligible for accommodations, students must submit a written request form and receive approval. For more information, go to http://www.collegeboard.com/ssd/student for tests administered by the College Board, and to www.act.org/aap/disab for the ACT.

TOEFL

The TOEFL is an internet-based or paper-based exam required by almost all colleges and universities for students whose main language is not English. The test measures how well you read, listen, speak, and write English. Registration forms are available online at www.ets.org/toefl. TOEFL is administered by ETS, the Educational Testing Service.

Test Prep

Should you prepare for these standardized tests? We recommend that you do. The more familiar you are with the kinds of questions you will encounter, the better your chances of doing well.

You may not need to spend a lot of money on test prep. Some students feel they have benefited from commercial test prep classes, while other believe the free resources are sufficient. What matters is the amount of effort you put in. Here are some websites with free test online test practice:

We don't necessarily endorse these sites or companies, and there are many others.

Many companies offer test prep classes and materials, and the fees for these services can vary widely. Some companies offer small group instruction, and some offer one-on-one tutoring. Most companies also offer test taking strategies. You should investigate and commit to putting in sufficient time before signing up.

What is important is that you determine your individual needs and how best to address them. Then roll up your sleeves and get to work!